THE GENTLE BARN ANNOUNCES 
PLANS FOR NEW YORK ANIMAL SANCTUARY FOLLOWING DEATH OF RYDER, A NYC CARRIAGE HORSE

Westchester County facility to offer humane retirement for New York City’s carriage horses; public can donate to help fund project


The Gentle Barn, a non-profit animal sanctuary with locations in California, Missouri and Tennessee, has announced it will open a fifth location in Westchester County, New York.


Plans for the facility have been rushed forward following the tragic story of Ryder, a 26-year old working carriage horse who collapsed this summer on a hot New York City street. Ryder was whipped on video in an effort to get him to stand, and was later shown to be completely malnourished. When The Gentle Barn reached out to take in Ryder and provide him sanctuary for the rest of his life, The Gentle Barn was met with resistance and ultimately the news of his euthanization. 


The incident drew attention to the plight of Ryder’s fellow cart horses, and underscored the need for a real solution, according to Gentle Barn Co-Founder Jay Weiner. “It is only a matter of time before the next horse falls,” said Weiner. “We must act now by getting old and injured horses to a safe space where they can be rehabbed and live their best lives, and in the long term, we must replace horse-drawn carriages with electric ones.”


A development campaign has been launched for The Gentle Barn New York, which will become a verdant, quiet and peaceful haven for the horses as well as visitors from New York, who are welcomed at open houses and as part of other special programs. Animal lovers everywhere are encouraged to donate, volunteer, or even host private fundraising parties in their homes.


“While we work toward the transition to electric carriages – the ideal solution for the horses, the drivers, the environment and New York City tourism – we can offer the horses a humane and loving retirement plan,” said Weiner. “At our new facility, we are prepared to mitigate the uncertain fate and less than healthy conditions that carriage horses face while also giving horse owners a new option and encouraging compliance with retirement age rules.”


At The Gentle Barn New York, the horses will be with other rescued animals such as cows, pigs and turkeys. All these animals are treated with high-quality medical treatments, organic hay and feed, soft bedding, dental work, acupuncture, massage therapy, nutritional supplements, and around-the-clock care. In turn, they give “hugs” to children, veterans and others in need of emotional support, as part of a unique outreach program that is a Gentle Barn signature. 


The Gentle Barn has decades of experience in animal rescue and rehabilitation and is renowned for its groundbreaking animal-assisted therapeutic programs.  
To learn more or make a donation, please visit www.gentlebarn.org. ​